Give me a church that regularly offends my sensibilities; one that overthrows my preconceived notions of how the world works.
Give me a church that loves me enough never to coddle my harmful choices but confronts me gently with necessary truth. Give me a church that fears for my soul more than my reputation.
Give me a church that loves so genuinely, it makes racism unwelcome. Give me a church that elevates the gifts of women so much that misogyny literally has no place.
Give me a church that is so unlike the surrounding culture, we’re called “freaks” more often than “bigots.”
Give me a church that is more afraid of losing the truth than generous tithes from the elite.
Give me a church that is neither liberal nor conservative, neither Democrat nor Republican, but is only concerned with an authentic gospel – and manages to offend all sides at once.
Give me a church that practices Accountability Culture over Cancel Culture.
Give me a church that seeks to make Jesus famous, not the pastor or the worship band.
Pastors, if your sermons aren’t routinely offending people (for the right reasons), a bit of self reflection may be in order. Pay attention to who is offended and why- then you’ll know if you’re preaching a real gospel.
Keep preaching. Keep showing up. Keep being faithful.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Rejoice as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Photo by Vadim Sadovski on Unsplash
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